Rinspeed sQuba (2007): first official pictures
Mon, 17 Dec 2007
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First Official Pictures
17 December 2007 15:57
It had to happen. Manufacturers are fighting to fill every possible niche these days, but only Rinspeed has thought to make an underwater zero-emissions car. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, Rinspeed says the aptly named sQuba is the ‘world’s first real diving car’. And we don’t think even James Bond is going to argue with them.
The Swiss manufacturer, which has previously made a 911 Turbo pick-up, claims the sQuba can dive to a depth of 10 metres. Not bad for an Elise lookalike with Aston Martin rear lights.
The sQuba automatically switches from car to a submarine as it enters or exits the water. An electric motor either drives the rear wheels on land, or two propellers and two jets underwater.
Being powered by giant batteries means the vehicle doesn’t emit any emissions or pollutants, so the birds, bees - and fish - won’t be harmed directly by the sQuba.
It is, but an on-board breathing system means you can breathe underwater. Unless you pull on a full wetsuit, we can’t imagine straying beyond the barmy waters of the Bahamas is a good idea.
Apparently, the sQuba opens up a new and fascinating world to its occupants, but Rinspeed doesn’t say how the manoeuverability is affected underwater.
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